Jonathan Kuminga Reenters Warriors’ Rotation Amid Pressure and Uncertainty
The Golden State Warriors are no strangers to midseason turbulence, but the latest twist in their campaign has less to do with X's and O's and more to do with internal dynamics - and one young forward caught right in the middle of it all.
After three straight DNPs, Jonathan Kuminga is officially back in the mix. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that the 21-year-old forward will return to the rotation, getting minutes off the bench - and not just garbage-time scraps. He’s expected to share the floor with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, a clear sign the team wants to see how Kuminga fits alongside its veteran core.
The Timing Raises Eyebrows
The timing of Kuminga’s return is hard to ignore. It comes just days after a leaked email from team owner Joe Lacob, in which he appeared to express frustration about certain players not being utilized properly. While the message didn’t name names, many around the league and inside the Warriors’ orbit connected the dots to Kuminga.
The implication? That Lacob may be nudging Kerr to give the former No. 7 overall pick another shot. And whether or not that’s true, the optics are impossible to overlook - a young, athletic forward suddenly reinserted into the lineup after a public show of concern from the top of the organization.
Kerr’s Balancing Act
Now, let’s be clear: Steve Kerr isn’t the type to play someone just to satisfy ownership. His track record speaks for itself. He’s trusted his gut through four championships and countless playoff runs, and if Kuminga doesn’t perform, Kerr won’t hesitate to pull him back to the bench.
But Kerr also acknowledged that Kuminga has been practicing better, and he’s earned this opportunity. That’s the kind of internal growth you want to see from a young player - especially one whose role has fluctuated as much as Kuminga’s has since entering the league.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about minutes. It’s about timing.
The Warriors can officially trade Kuminga starting January 15, and his value is very much in flux. If he struggles, his stock drops.
If he shines, the Warriors face a different dilemma: keep a rising contributor or move him while his value peaks?
That’s the tightrope Golden State is walking right now. They’re trying to win games, develop young talent, and potentially reshape the roster - all at once. And Kuminga, for better or worse, is at the center of it.
Remember the Start?
It’s easy to forget now, but the Warriors opened the season 4-1, including wins over the Lakers and Nuggets. Kuminga was in the starting lineup then, playing with confidence and purpose. The offense flowed, the defense held up, and everything felt... cohesive.
Since then, things have unraveled. The rotation has been in flux, Draymond Green’s availability has been inconsistent, and the team has struggled to find rhythm. Bringing Kuminga back into the fold might be a small step toward rediscovering that early-season spark.
Looking Ahead
Kuminga’s return doesn’t guarantee anything - not for the team, not for his future in Golden State. But it does offer a fresh look at a player with undeniable upside.
The Warriors need energy, athleticism, and defensive versatility. Kuminga brings all three - if he can stay focused and find his fit.
Now the spotlight’s on him. He’ll get his shot. And whether this is a strategic move by Kerr, a response to pressure from above, or simply the right basketball decision, it’s a storyline worth watching as Golden State tries to climb back into the Western Conference race.
One thing’s for sure: the Warriors’ rotation just got a lot more interesting.